Thank you, Drew Peternell, for reminding customers of Denver Water that their lush landscaping is nourished by water from the Colorado River system.

Peternell points out that conserving water is necessary to protect life-sustaining flows in the Fraser, Blue and Colorado rivers. These rivers support rich aquatic life and the recreation economy of Grand County and others.

Supplying water to thirsty Front Range cities need not be at the expense of West Slope rivers. There are common-sense measures Denver Water could incorporate into its permit to increase diversions from the Fraser River that could result in a win-win.

In addition to more rigorous systemwide water conservation measures, Denver Water should agree to conditions that would measure river temperature in real time and adjust the flow of the river to keep the temperature from killing fish. These conditions can include important spring flushing flows that cleanse the river system and remove sediment and modifying the Fraser River banks to reflect the loss of 80 percent of the flow so the river banks fit the flow.

State Rep. Claire Levy, Boulder

This letter was published in the Aug. 1 edition.

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